(a) How according to Paul could a christian rightly become a child of God ? (b) In what two ways can you show that you are a true child of God?

Answer Details

(a) How a Christian rightly becomes a child of God according to Paul (Romans 8; Galatians 3-4)

Paul teaches that becoming a child of God is not by natural birth, race or the works of the law, but by God's grace received through faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.

• Through faith in Christ: "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26). Faith unites the believer to Christ, the true Son.
• By baptism into Christ: "As many of you as were baptised into Christ have put on Christ," so that in Him there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one (Galatians 3:27-28).
• By adoption through the Spirit: God sent forth His Son to redeem those under the law, "that we might receive the adoption as sons." Believers do not receive a spirit of bondage again to fear, but the Spirit of adoption by whom they cry, "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5-6).
• By being led by the Spirit: "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:14-16).
• As heirs of God: "If children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ," sharing in His glory and inheritance.

Thus one becomes a child of God through repentance and faith in Christ, symbolised in baptism, and confirmed by the indwelling and leading of the Holy Spirit.

(b) Two ways to show that you are a true child of God

1. By being led by the Holy Spirit and living a holy life: putting to death sinful deeds, obeying God's word, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience and self-control).
2. By loving God and others: showing genuine love, forgiveness, kindness and good works toward one's neighbour, and enduring hardship and even suffering for Christ without losing faith.